Where to find Bendigo’s best craft beer

Cambrian Hotel

Walking into the bar, you’ll feel at home instantly. A true country pub minus the tasteless macro lager on tap. Here you won’t find anything on tap owned by the large multinationals; this in itself always makes me feel good drinking here. Brothers, Andrew and Adam are passionate about supporting local and independent brewers. The taps rotate regularly, showcasing Victorian breweries while in the fridges they venture a little further afield where you’ll find good international brews too.

The Dispensary

If you ever find yourself an hour early for drinks with a friend, fear not. You can always head to the Dispensary, pull up a chair at the bar and order some steam buns to pass the time. The crew will always make you feel welcome and even if you’re not up for a chat, you will find yourself mesmerised by their cocktail making skills on the other side of the bar.

But this is about beer right? Dispensary does all booze excellently. Their drinks bible has pages and pages of rare and unique wines, spirits and beers. One look in their beer fridge and you’ll wish it was your own. But if you can’t choose, just ask the staff and they’ll happily recommend something to match your tastes

Handle Bar

Everybody’s backyard. I challenge you to walk in here (of course you have to find it first) and not see someone you know. Handle Bar is a beer garden hidden behind Get Naked Espresso Bar in Mitchell street. Made out of up-cycled materials, you’ll feel like you’re in Fitzroy, not Bendigo. 100% independent beer only, local wines and good spirits, Handle Bar comes to life Thursday to Sunday with regular live music and good times.

Hop Supply Co

A new kid on the block, Hop Supply Co has filled the void of a good craft beer bottle shop beautifully. Their fridges are always stocked with your favourite regulars, alongside some you may have never heard of. The hardest thing about this place is choosing what to buy (or what not to buy). The guys regularly host beer tastings and events to promote the good beer scene in Bendigo.

Goldmines Hotel

Regularly voted in the Top 10 Beer Gardens in Australia, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than here. A restored Vahland & Getzshmann beauty, you will find yourself lost in the building, the extensive gardens and the exciting beer list. With taps that are forever rotating throughout-their beers and the local legends, there’s always an excuse to head to The Goldmines. [Editor’s Note: Currently closed, The Goldmines will be up and running very soon!]